What is a thread lift consultation?
A thread lift consultation is an appointment with a qualified practitioner to review concerns about mild to moderate skin laxity in areas such as the jawline, mid-face, brows or neck, and to discuss whether thread lifting may be appropriate. Thread lifting involves placing fine, dissolvable threads, commonly made from polydioxanone (PDO), beneath the skin.
A consultation does not mean a treatment will be recommended. Your practitioner will explain whether thread lifting, another option or no treatment is most suitable for you.
Specific treatment details are not listed here to comply with Australian advertising regulations. These can be discussed privately during your consultation.
What areas does it address?
A consultation may assess the:
ā¢ Jawline and jowls
ā¢ Mid-face and cheeks
ā¢ Brows
ā¢ Neck
Who may be suitable for a thread lift consultation
A consultation may be helpful if you have noticed:
ā¢ Early to moderate laxity along the jawline or jowls
ā¢ Changes in mid-face position
ā¢ Brow heaviness
ā¢ Loose skin on the neck
ā¢ Uncertainty about whether surgical or non-surgical options may suit you
What happens during the consultation
Your practitioner may:
ā¢ Review your medical history, medications and any previous treatments
ā¢ Assess skin thickness, quality and the degree of laxity
ā¢ Explain what threads are, how they are placed and how the body absorbs them over time
ā¢ Discuss whether surgical options, such as a facelift or neck lift, may be more appropriate
ā¢ Confirm the threads used are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)
ā¢ Discuss realistic expectations, risks and aftercare
Downtime and aftercare
If treatment is advised, general recovery expectations may include:
ā¢ Swelling, bruising and tenderness
ā¢ Avoiding strenuous exercise and exaggerated facial movements for a period
ā¢ Avoiding facial massage and some dental procedures for a period
ā¢ Sleeping on your back in early recovery
ā¢ Scheduled follow-up and signs that require medical review
Recovery varies between individuals. Personalised instructions are provided during consultation.
Surgical or non-surgical?
Non-surgical
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure performed without surgical incisions.
Who can perform a thread lift
ā¢ Doctors
ā¢ Nurses with appropriate training, working within their scope of practice
Practitioners must work within their professional scope and use threads that are approved for supply in Australia.
Is a consultation required?
Yes. A consultation is required before treatment to:
ā¢ Confirm you are suitable for treatment
ā¢ Review your health history and medications
ā¢ Ensure the threads used are approved for supply in Australia
ā¢ Set realistic expectations
Risks and considerations
All procedures carry risks. A thread lift may involve:
ā¢ Bruising, swelling and tenderness
ā¢ Asymmetry
ā¢ Dimpling or puckering of the skin
ā¢ Threads that can be seen or felt under the skin
ā¢ Thread movement or extrusion through the skin
ā¢ Infection
ā¢ Temporary discomfort or restricted facial movement
ā¢ Inflammatory reactions
ā¢ The possibility that threads may need to be removed
A full risk discussion forms part of informed consent. All risks will be explained during your consultation, including how they relate to your individual circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is a thread lift surgery
No. A thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses dissolvable threads placed beneath the skin. A facelift is a surgical procedure. Your practitioner will explain which may be appropriate for you.
What happens to the threads over time
Most commonly used threads, such as PDO threads, are gradually absorbed by the body over a number of months. How the skin changes over time varies between individuals and may be influenced by age, skin quality and lifestyle.
Can nurses perform thread lifts in Australia
Yes. Thread lifts can be performed by doctors and by nurses with appropriate training, working within their scope of practice.
How do I know the threads are approved
Ask your practitioner which threads they use and whether they are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
Is a thread lift covered by Medicare
No. Thread lifts for cosmetic reasons are not eligible for Medicare. Medicare criteria can change over time, so check eligibility at the time of your consultation.
When can I return to work
This varies depending on the areas treated. Your practitioner will provide a personalised recovery timeline.
